‘Relive The Rivalry’ Red Wings Host Viewing Party Of Memorable 1997 Avalanche Game

Former Red Wings' forward Darren McCarty will be a part of the viewing party. (WWJ/Sandra McNeill)

DETROIT (WWJ) – It’s been 15 years and former Wings’ forward Darren McCarty still vividly remembers the fight.

“There is a difference between a sucker punch and a cheap shot,” McCarty told WWJ’s Sandra McNeill. “Or a cold-cock as I call it, cuz I looked him right in the eyes when I cold-cocked him. I didn’t hit him from behind or anything.”

The hit was pay back for LeMieux’s blind side hit against the Wings’ Chris Draper that had broken Draper’s jaw.

Now, McCarty says, years after he humiliated him, his relationship with LeMieux is cordial.

“He signs it terrible on his picture but what does that tell you? He’s a fierce competitor and you know, what happened, happened. But you know, I’ll never forgive him for what he did,” he said.

For those suffering from hockey withdrawal the Detroit Red Wings are hosting a ‘Relive the Rivalry’ viewing party of that game against the Avalanche from March 1997 in which McCarty scored the winning sudden death goal.

“It’s the greatest game I’ve ever played in — not just because there were seven fights, and you got revenge,” McCarty said.

Yes, seven fights, including one of the most enduring moments in sports history; When Red Wing Darren McCarty took revenge on bitter rival Claude LeMieux of the Colorado Avalanche.

McCarty will be on hand during the viewing party which starts at 7:30 p.m. at PB’s Sports Grill in St. Clair Shores.